FAQ

Dental Frequently Asked Questions

If you are searching for a Seattle cosmetic dentist and a general dentist you will probably have a few questions. Start off by perusing our Frequently Asked Questions to help you understand some keep concepts. If you need further assistance, don’t hesitate to give our staff a call.

Do you take new patients?Yes, we are currently accepting new patients and in most cases can see you for a complete exam within a couple days. In most cases, emergency visits are accommodated on the day you call.

What insurance coverage do you accept?We accept most major insurance providers. Roosevelt Dental Center is a "Preferred Provider" with Delta Dental/Washington Dental and Regence Blue Shield. We also accept Aetna, MetLife, and Cigna/Connecticut General. Please feel free to call our office to inquire about your specific policy. If you don't see your insurance provider listed here, please call the office and we’ll check for you.

Please call us in advance of your first appointment if you have questions about your insurance coverage. We will give you a cost estimate for what your insurance will cover at the time of your visit.

What is included in a comprehensive exam?During the comprehensive exam we will review and discuss your medical history and take your blood pressure. We will then review any specific concerns you may have regarding your teeth and general oral health, including any cosmetic concerns.

The doctor will then examine the head and neck region. This screening exam is done to help identify any possible abnormalities within the muscles, bones, lymph nodes, sinuses, skin, and TMJ. An intraoral screening exam is then completed to identify any possible problems within soft palate, hard palate, pharynx, tonsils, tongue, floor of the mouth, and the mucosa of the cheek. Finally, the teeth and gums are thoroughly examined. All the findings are then discussed with you.

What are your fees?There is an extensive range of services that we offer, so it is difficult to cover all of the fees that could be involved with your treatment prior to an exam. Following the initial comprehensive exam, however, we will provide you with a detailed list of any treatment needed, including the charges for each procedure.

If I just want a cleaning, do I need to get x-rays taken?Not if you’ve had an exam in our office within the last few months. However, an exam is required for all new patients. As part of the exam, x-rays are taken to help the doctor see between the teeth and to examine the bone. This allows the doctor to assess the overall health of the jaw bones and to detect early decay so the proper treatment can be recommended. For the best long term care of your oral health, we recommend an exam twice a year.

What should I do if I have an emergency when your office is closed? If the situation cannot wait until the next business day, patients of record can reach the doctor by pager at (206) 699-5131.

Do you offer nitrous oxide gas (laughing gas)?Yes.

Do you recommend permanent teeth sealants for children?Yes. Sealants are a great idea for children once their permanent molars come in. Sealants are an easy and cost effective way to significantly reduce the incidence of certain types of decay.

How old should my child be for his/her first visit?We recommend that you bring your child in for a first visit at about 18 months. We will examine your child’s oral health, answer any questions you may have, and offer specific advice on how to best care for your child’s needs. We will also apply a fluoride varnish to the teeth (recent studies have shown the effectiveness of a concentrated fluoride varnish in significantly reducing decay rates). This first checkup may be a quick one, but it allows us to make sure everything is developing normally. It can also help your child get used to our office and staff, which can be very helpful in preparing for future visits. Prior to this age, you should brush your child's teeth regularly, and take note of anything out of the ordinary. If you have any special concerns, give us a call and we'll help you determine if a visit is worthwhile.

Where did Dr. Gray go to dental school?Dr. Gray graduated from the University of Washington School of Dentistry in 1995.

How long have you been in this location?Since 1997

Is parking available?Yes, we have free parking underneath the building. You can access the garage via the alley on the west side of the building. Alternatively, there is metered street parking, parking at Bartells or Whole Foods if you are shopping there, or a Diamond pay lot on NE 63rd and 9th Ave NE.